Early-Onset Alzheimer’s disease now covered under Social Security

On February 11, 2010, the Social Security Administration announced it will now include early-onset Alzheimer’s disease in its Compassionate Allowances initiative to help the number of early-onset or younger-onset individuals who are no longer able to maintain gainful employment because of their cognitive impairment.

While applicants would still have to meet other SSDI criteria and/or SSI criteria, under this initiative they are considered eligible by virtue of the disease and fast-tracked for a favorable decision about their eligibility for Social Security Disability (SSDI) and Social Security Income (SSI) benefits. The inclusion of early-onset (or younger-onset) Alzheimer’s disease, streamlines the SSDI/SSI application process allowing individuals to receive faster payment of their Social Security benefits.

Since 2003, The Alzheimer’s Association has advocated on behalf of individuals with Early-Onset Alzheimer’s as they navigate the Social Security disability process. This decision is a major step forward for their families.

Please visit http://www.alz.org/living_with_alzheimers_social_security_disability.asp for more information.